Speaking following Sunday's win over Manchester United, the England defender said: “We know how devastating they are at home, it’s going to be tough. We beat them here and it’s going to be even harder up there to get a result. But our record against the top clubs gives us hope to break their record because of the quality in our squad.

“They won’t want to play against us every week and we wouldn’t want to play against them every week. They have been devastating at home - it’s going to be very tough.

“We are going about our business quietly. Manchester City and Arsenal are not losing points and they’re putting pressure on us to get results. That’s why beating Manchester United was such a great result for us against a massive club.

“Hopefully we keep moving forward. We’re starting to play better, we’re defending well. We need to keep working hard in training.

“We’re around the top and just a few points behind. Of course it’s going to be difficult to win the league but we have the quality to do it. We will just go about our business and hopefully we will keep staying around the top. Then you’re always in with a chance.

“People speak about us having young players and evolving into a good side now. Consistency is creeping in, which is good, and we’re going in the right direction. But you know what football’s like - it’s just important we stay in contention.

“We do turn up against the big teams, we’ve put in good performances against them and not dropped too many points. If we can stay consistent, which at the moment we are, we have a good feeling among the group.”